Martha Divakar · February 28, 2026 
Introduction
Imagine you’re drawn to natural, side-effect-free ways of healing perhaps through ancient herbs and lifestyle balance or through gentle remedies that stimulate the body’s own healing power. That’s the crossroads many students face when choosing between BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery). Both are respected AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) paths under NEET, offering fulfilling careers in alternative medicine.
With growing demand for holistic health especially after the pandemic AYUSH courses like these are booming. But which one aligns with your interests? This detailed comparison covers everything: course duration, eligibility criteria, admission via NEET, syllabus structure, fees in government and private colleges, and more. By the end, you’ll have clear insights to decide between Ayurveda vs Homeopathy.
What is BAMS? Overview of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
BAMS focuses on Ayurveda, India’s ancient holistic system that emphasizes balancing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) through herbs, diet, yoga, Panchakarma therapies, and lifestyle changes. Graduates earn the title “Ayurvedacharya” and learn to treat root causes rather than just symptoms.
BAMS Course Duration and Structure
The BAMS course duration is 5.5 years total:
- 4.5 years of academic study (divided into four professional years).
- 1 year of compulsory rotatory internship in Ayurvedic hospitals for hands-on clinical training.
The structure builds progressively: early years cover basics (pre-clinical), mid-years focus on pharmacology and diagnostics, and later years emphasize clinical subjects like internal medicine and minor surgery.
BAMS Syllabus and Key Subjects
The syllabus integrates modern medical sciences with traditional Ayurveda (regulated by NCISM):
- 1st Professional Year: Sanskrit & Ayurvedic History, Padartha Vigyan (Ayurvedic fundamentals), Kriya Sharir (Physiology), Rachana Sharir (Anatomy), Samhita (classical texts).
- 2nd Professional Year: Dravyaguna (herbal pharmacology), Rasashastra (mineral-based medicines), Rog Nidan (Pathology & diagnostics).
- 3rd & 4th Professional Years: Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), Shalya Tantra (surgery), Prasuti & Stri Roga (obstetrics/gynecology), Kaumarbhritya (pediatrics), Shalakya (ENT/ophthalmology), plus practicals in herbal identification and therapies like Panchakarma.
Emphasis is on practicals, herbal preparation, and preventive care.
What is BHMS? Overview of Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
BHMS trains you in Homeopathy, founded by Samuel Hahnemann, based on “like cures like” and using highly diluted natural substances to trigger the body’s self-healing. It’s known for being safe, non-toxic, and effective for chronic issues like allergies, skin conditions, and mental health.
BHMS Course Duration and Structure
The BHMS course duration is also 5.5 years:
- 4.5 years of academic study.
- 1 year of compulsory internship with clinical exposure.
Like BAMS, it’s divided into professional years, shifting from foundational sciences to advanced homeopathic practice and case management.
BHMS Syllabus and Key Subjects
Regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), the syllabus blends basic sciences with core homeopathic principles:
- 1st Year: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Homeopathic Pharmacy, Organon of Medicine (philosophy basics), Materia Medica (remedy basics).
- 2nd & 3rd Years: Pathology, Forensic Medicine, advanced Materia Medica (detailed remedy pictures), Repertory (tool for remedy selection), Organon advanced.
- Final Years: Practice of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Homeopathic Therapeutics, Case Taking & Repertorization, Community Medicine.
Strong focus on philosophy, individualized case analysis, and “similimum” remedy selection.
BAMS vs BHMS: Head-to-Head Comparison
Both courses are NEET-based UG programs in alternative medicine, but they differ in philosophy and application.
| Aspect | BAMS (Ayurveda) | BHMS (Homeopathy) |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery | Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery |
| Duration | 5.5 years (4.5 academic + 1 internship) | 5.5 years (4.5 academic + 1 internship) |
| Focus | Holistic balance (doshas, herbs, diet, Panchakarma) | “Like cures like” with diluted remedies |
| Key Strengths | Broader scope including minor surgery, wellness therapies | Gentle, no side effects; great for chronic & pediatric cases |
| Eligibility | 10+2 PCB (passing marks; 50% PCB relaxed for 2025+), NEET mandatory | 10+2 PCB (typically 50% aggregate), NEET mandatory |
| Admission | NEET UG + AYUSH counselling (AACCC/state) | NEET UG + AYUSH counselling |
| Fees (Govt colleges) | ₹20,000–₹1 Lakh per year | ₹25,000–₹1.5 Lakh per year |
| Fees (Private colleges) | ₹2–25 Lakh total (often higher) | ₹1.5–11 Lakh total |
Both include clinical training, but BAMS often has more emphasis on procedures and herbs, while BHMS stresses case repertorization.
Eligibility Criteria for BAMS and BHMS
Common requirements (as of 2025–2026 updates):
- 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB).
- Minimum age: 17 years by December 31 of admission year.
- Qualifying NEET UG (mandatory for both; no upper age limit).
- Key change for BAMS: NCISM relaxed strict 50% PCB aggregate; now just passing marks in PCB + NEET qualify (though some states/colleges may vary). BHMS often retains ~50% aggregate.
Does your NEET score open doors to these rewarding fields? Absolutely; focus on qualifying first!
Admission Process in 2026
Admission is centralized via NEET UG (conducted by NTA, typically May exam). Post-results:
- Register for AYUSH NEET counselling (AACCC for All India Quota, state bodies for others).
- Seats: Thousands available across government and private colleges.
- Actionable tip: Aim for a competitive NEET score (varies by category/college), research cutoffs early, and prepare documents like 10+2 marksheets.
How Career Plan B Helps
Struggling to choose between BAMS vs BHMS or unsure about your NEET prep and fit for alternative medicine? Career Plan B provides personalized career counselling, Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests to align your strengths with Ayurveda or Homeopathy, admission and academic profile guidance, plus detailed career roadmapping; helping you confidently pursue a fulfilling path in holistic health.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQ Section
- Which is better: BAMS or BHMS?
It depends on your passion. BAMS suits those interested in herbal therapies, lifestyle medicine, and broader treatments (including some surgical aspects). BHMS is ideal for gentle, individualized care without side effects, especially chronic or mental health issues. Both have strong scope in India.
- Is NEET compulsory for BAMS and BHMS in 2026?
Yes, NEET UG is mandatory for both. No admission without qualifying.
- What are the average fees in government vs private colleges?
Government: Low (₹20k–₹1.5 Lakh/year). Private: Higher (BAMS often ₹2–25 Lakh total; BHMS ₹1.5–11 Lakh total), varying by location and reputation.
- Can I pursue MD/MS after BAMS or BHMS?
Yes; both allow postgraduate options like MD Ayurveda or MD Homeopathy for specialization.
- What are job prospects after completion?
Private practice, government AYUSH hospitals, wellness centers, research, pharma (herbal/homeopathic), teaching. Salaries start ₹3–8 Lakh/year, higher with experience/private clinics.
- How do treatment approaches differ?
Ayurveda focuses on dosha balance and prevention with herbs/diet. Homeopathy uses symptom-based, diluted remedies to stimulate healing.
Conclusion
In summary, BAMS vs BHMS both offer 5.5-year journeys via NEET, similar eligibility (with recent relaxations for BAMS), and strong foundations in natural healing but they diverge in philosophy: Ayurveda’s holistic, lifestyle-driven approach vs Homeopathy’s precise, stimulus-based remedies.
The right choice comes down to what excites you more; ancient herbal wisdom or individualized “like cures like” principles? Both paths contribute to India’s growing holistic healthcare landscape.
Ready to clarify your direction? Take a career assessment or connect with experts at Career Plan B for personalized guidance on your AYUSH journey. Your decision today could help countless people embrace natural wellness tomorrow.
